Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Creating, Linking and Discovering Business Navigation Maps for Analyzing Data

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a method, apparatus, and a system for creating business navigation maps comprising a host module linked to at least one computer, and at least one data base and/or data storage device, the host module being adapted to receive data point markers about at least one data point of interest to a user and including a data input link for receiving information about at least one data point of interest, a first logic processing module programmed to associate at least one data point of interest with at least one business report, wherein the logic processing module uses predefined criteria to tag the at least one data point of interest as relevant to the at least one business report; and a database module, the database module being. adapted to store and obtain the at least one data point of interest, data point markers, and the at least one business report. The present invention also includes a method for navigating through business reports using at least one data point of interest and associating at least one data point of interest to a user with at least one business report, by adapting a logic, processing module using predefined criteria to tag the at least one data point of interest as relevant to the at least one business report, and accessing a database module to store and obtain the at least one data point of interest, at least one data point marker, and the at least one business report.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant patent application claims priority to and the benefit ofpending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/629,582, filed on Sep. 27,2012, titled “Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Creating, Linkingand Discovering Navigation Maps for Analyzing Data” and which claimedpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/539,926.filed on Sep. 27, 2011, the entire disclosures of each patentapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system, method, andapparatus for creating, linking, and discovering business navigationmaps for analyzing data. More particularly, the invention relates tonavigation through complex data, and more particularly to providingsystems and methods to navigate through business reports and enablereview of the relationships between multiple business reports.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Current methods for linking business reports are very limited and don'tprovide an easy way to navigate complex data. Hard coded drill downloadsor pre-determined hierarchies are a major limitation with currentbusiness intelligence software, as there is no way to discover therelationships between business reports dynamically and move forward andbackward between reports. The novel method presented herein provides fora distinct way to navigate business reports.

This invention, improves on the deficiencies of the prior art andprovides an inventive system, method, and apparatus for creatinglinking, and discovering business navigation maps for analyzing data.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel system, method, and apparatus for creating,linking, and discovering business navigation maps for analyzing data.

An aspect of the present invention includes a system for creatingbusiness navigation maps comprising a host module linked to at least onecomputer, and at least one data base and/or data storage device, saidhost module being adapted to receive data point markers about at leastone data point of interest to a user and including a data input link forreceiving information about said at least one data point of interest, afirst logic processing module programmed to associate at least one datapoint of interest with at least one business report, wherein said logicprocessing module uses predefined criteria to tag the at least one datapoint of interest as relevant to the at least one business report; and adatabase module, said database module being. adapted to store and obtainthe at least one data point of interest, data point markers, and the atleast one business report.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for navigatingthrough business reports, comprising adapting a host module to receivedata point markers about at least one data point of interest to a user,providing a data input link for receiving, information about the atleast one data point of interest, associating at least one data point ofinterest with at least one business report, by adapting a logicprocessing module using predefined criteria to tag the at least one datapoint of interest as relevant to the at least one business report, andaccessing a database module to store and obtain the at least one datapoint of interest, at least one data point marker, and the at least onebusiness report.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a system for creatingbusiness navigation map, comprising: at least one computer in electricalconnection with at least one database and at least one storage device,said at least one computer in communication with at least one processorand at least one host module, and wherein said at least one host modulebeing adapted to receive data point markers about at least one datapoint of interest from at least one user, said at least one host modulefurther including a data input link for receiving information about saidat least one data point of interest, a first logic processing module incommunication with said at least one computer and programmed toassociate at least one data point of interest with at least one businessreport, wherein said first logic processing module uses at least onepredefined criteria to tag said at least one data point of interest asrelevant to said at least one business report; and at least one databasemodule, said at least one database module in communication with said atleast one computer and being adapted to store and obtain said at leastone data point of interest, data point marker, and said at least onebusiness report.

In another aspect this invention comprises a method for navigatingthrough business reports, comprising: at least one computer inelectrical connection with at least one database and at least onestorage device, said at least one computer in communication with atleast one processor and at least one host module, and adapting said atleast one host module to receive data point markers about at least onedata point of interest from a user using said at least one computer;providing a data input link for receiving information about the at leastone data point of interest; associating said at least one data point ofinterest with at least one business report, by adapting at least onelogic processing module using predefined criteria to tag the at leastone data point of interest as relevant to the at least one businessreports, and at least one database module, said at least one databasemodule in communication with said at least one computer and accessingsaid at least one database module to store and obtain the at least onedata point of interest, at least one data point marker, and the at leastone business report.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than anyparticular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferredembodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are forillustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbersrepresent like features and components in the drawings. The inventionmay best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed descriptionin conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation of a value represented byone or more various parameters in accordance, with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow for navigation in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow for dynamic or static linking in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 further illustrates a method for the creation of new filters inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the dynamic use of data point filtersin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the dynamic use of data point filtersin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a navigation feature for the dynamic use of datapoint filters in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a navigation feature in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates automatic linking of reports in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a logical flow diagram depicting a method fordynamic mapping in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified logical flow diagram depicting a methodfor static linking in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a simplified logical flow diagram depicting a methodfor dynamic linking in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a simplified logical flow diagram of a method forsaving a new map in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a simplified logical flow diagram of a method forupdating an existing map in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive system, method, and apparatus for creating, linking, anddiscovering business navigation maps for analyzing data 23, will now bediscussed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 14.

The embodiments of the present invention are described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplaryembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Among other things, the present invention may beembodied as systems, methods or devices. The following detaileddescription should not to be taken in a limiting sense. Throughout thespecification and claims, the following terms take the meaningsexplicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does notnecessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore,the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarilyrefer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as describedbelow, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined,without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Inaddition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator,and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive and allows forbeing based on additional factors not described, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Themeaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The term “coupled” implies thatthe elements may be directly connected together or may be coupledthrough one or more intervening elements. Further reference may be madeto an embodiment where a component is implemented and multiple like oridentical components are implemented.

As used in this specification and claims, the terms “for example,” “forinstance,” “such as,” and “like,” and the verbs “comprising,” “having,”“including,” and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with alisting of one or more components or other items, are each to beconstrued as open-ended, meaning that that the listing is not to beconsidered as excluding other, additional components or items. Otherterms are to be construed using their broadest reasonable meaning unlessthey are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the inventive system, method, andapparatus for creating, linking, and discovering business navigationmaps for analyzing data 123, where for example, a graphicalrepresentation of a value represented by one or more various businessparameters 100, is shown. The one or more various business parameters100, could be displayed, for example on at least one screen 125, whichis connected to at least one computer 150, via at least one firstconnection 151. The at least one first connection 151, could be selectedfrom a group comprising, an electrical connection 151, a Wi-Fi networkconnection 151, a wired network connection 151, a wireless networkconnection 151, and combinations thereof, to name a few. The at leastone computer 150, is preferably connected via at least one secondconnection 171, to at least one database 165, and at least one storagedevice 175. The at least one second connection 171, could be selectedfrom a group comprising, an electrical connection 171, a Wi-Fi networkconnection 171, a wired network connection 171, a wireless networkconnection 171, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Furthermore,the one or more various parameters 100, could be, for example,displaying one or more business report 110, for example, if the businessreport 110, is displaying material spent for different quarters, then auser 105, can click on a specific quarter to use the selected quarter asa parameter for all subsequent business navigation map reports forbusiness report 110. As a further example, in FIG. 1, the user 105, canclick on the dial gauge value parameter 115, for example, for a specific“Reschedule in” exception for all subsequent business navigation mapreports 110, regarding this parameter 115. The business report 110, hereas an example is a “Current Pull In Request”, is illustrated. Theexemplary purchase order rescheduling exception is shown as a dial gaugevalue parameter 115, although any form of graphical representation 115,may be used. Here, the dial gauge value parameter 115, points to a datapoint 120, where current purchase orders causing the order rescheduleexception are greater than, for example, 16.25M. This number isexemplary in nature and any quantity could be set as the bar for takingexception to a set practice rule. If multiple values are selected asmeasurements for implementing an exception, this may be depicted oraccomplished by a different visual, including but not limited to a barchart or a table with multiple values visible simultaneously and optionsfor the user 105, to make selections for one or more values. In anotherembodiment, the graphical representation 115, may display, for example,a business parameter 100, such as, for example, material spent fordifferent quarters of the year. In this example, the user 105, can clickon a specific quarter to use the selected quarter as a businessparameter 100, for all subsequent business navigation map reports 110.The screen 125, could have other business parameters 100, that a user105, could select from, such as, for example, change visualization 121,show table 127, show table and chart 129, to name a few. It should beappreciated that one or more various business parameters 100, and theone or more business reports 110, reside at a database 165, and/or on astorage device 175, and it can be readily accessed by a user 105, on atleast one screen 125, via at least one computer 150. The at least onecomputer 150, has at least one first logic processing module that isprogrammed to associate at least one data point of interest with atleast one business report 110. It should be understood and appreciatedthat the computer 150, database 165, storage device 175, could be oneunit or could be separate units which are internally or externally incommunication with each other. Similarly, a host of programs, modules,logic devices, logic processors, etc., to name a few, which are wellknown in the art are also associated with, and in communication with,the computer 150, database 165, and/or storage device 175.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an exception 200, for the inventivesystem, method, and apparatus for creating, linking, and discoveringbusiness navigation maps for analyzing data 123. As depicted here, forexample, the type of exception 215, for example, Reschedule In X 217, isshown. As a value of the graphical representation, “Reschedule in” asused in FIG. 1, presents a drill-down/drill through search functionalitylinking dynamic or static business reports 110, consisting of one ormore data points in one embodiment, different filters of data points canfurther enhance the dynamic or static reports linked, in anotherembodiment, each dynamic or static business report, here one to five orn^(th) business reports are shown 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, that arelinked to the parent graphical representation data report 110, in thisexample “Current Pull In Requests” 225. By clicking on the parentbusiness report 110/225, a navigation map is activated. In oneembodiment, pre-existing data reports may be automatically generated bythe computer 150, and linked to the parent data point report based ondifferent parameters including, but not limited to, user 105, selectedbusiness reports 110, such as, for example, statically linked reports,most used report history, most voted report by users, most relevantsearch report, past user experience, etc., to name a few. Thepre-existing business data reports 110, may be removed or additionalbusiness reports 110, may be added or linked to any business report 110,including those visible on the navigation map 123. Embodiments of thepresent invention 123, permit full and unfettered discretion on the partof the user 105, to create, add or subtract any business data report110, and associate it with any existing business data report 110,whether relevant or irrelevant. The business reports 110, 210, 220, 230,240, 250, provide additional data, although depicted as live reports,the number of reports depicted is not intended to be a limitation on theembodiments of the present invention and fewer reports or more reportsare contemplated within the scope of the embodiments. In one embodimentof the present invention 123, the navigation of the business report 110,is shown using a tree with nodes and branches graphical representation.Thus, in the exception 200, the user 105, has requested on the screen125, the current pull-in request 225, which is the business report 110,that started the navigation, and where the system or computer 150,discovered or compiled 5 reports or 1 through n^(th) report, namely,210, 220, 230, 240, 250, in the database 165, or assembled it from thedata base 165, and then displayed it on the screen 125, for the user105.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention 123, where,each data report or business report 110, is further linked dynamicallyor statically to further reports 110, consisting of one or more datapoints 300. The system 123, comprising one or more data points 300,illustrates an exemplary drill-down/drill through search functionalityof this invention. The system 123, comprising one or more data points300, expands recursively using, for example, a graph model, although anyform of graphical representation may be used, where each business reportor node 225, can link to one or more child business report or nodes 210,220, . . . , 250. Child business reports 210, 220, . . . , 250, for thegraphs can be added explicitly by user 105, or automatically by thesystem 123, based on different parameters including, but not limited to,most used report history, most voted report by users, most relevantsearch report, etc,, to name a few. in FIG. 3, child business reports302, 304, 306, 308, . . . , 310, of the parent business reports 325, areused to further build an exemplary graphical “tree” for the navigationmap 123. Each child business report 302, 304, . . . , 310, may or maynot be based on the same logic as the parent business report 325, 225,110. This model of recursively linking business reports enables adynamic graph which is then available for the user 105, to navigate. Inone embodiment, this process continues till all business reports areexpanded 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, and there are no further childrenbusiness reports. Child business report expansion 302, 304, . . . , 322,can be automatic or manually by a user 105, by clicking on the expandicon for the parent business report or taking some other action. Asshown in FIG. 3, is a “Current Pull-In Request” or business report 325,for a “Buyer With Most Expedites” 300, or one or more data points 300,which can further have tabs or buttons 311, 313, . . . , 315. forfurther expansion of the business report 110, 225, 325, fields, whichare also referred to as child or children business reports. Furthermore,within the system 123, at each business report or child business reportone can also have tabs or buttons or fields or links 335, which wouldallow a user 105, to for example, click on it to obtain, for example,business report name, related business reports, and this could be donewithout actually having to open that particular business report.

FIG. 4 illustrates the system of FIG. 3 further expanding recursivelythe child business reports 302, 304, . . . , 322. of the parent businessreports 110, 225, 325, to further build out the graphical representationof a navigation tree or navigation map for each child business report210. 220, . . . , 322. In this embodiment 400, new filters 425, such astabs, buttons, fields, 411, 413, . . . , 415, represent the data pointsselected during, navigation between different business reports can beutilized to further drill-down/drill through the search functionality ofthis invention. In another embodiment, data point filters 425, furtherenhance the business reports 110, 225, . . . , 325, linked via theparent-child relationship 210, 220, . . . , 322.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method to recorduser navigation within the tree including all business reportselections, selected dimension variables, last position of usernavigation within navigation tree, etc. This may be accomplished by thesystem building the list of user selections which are then passed to theother business reports to filter the data based on the previousselections The process of remembering the user selections at eachinteraction will generate a dynamic selection list at the runtime basedon user navigation between different business reports and will beinstrumental for root-cause analysis for a specific scenario even forlarge data volumes. In another embodiment, aspects of the presentinvention permit the dimension attributed values selected duringnavigation to other business reports within the tree navigation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, depicting thedynamic use of data point filters 500. As an example, data point filters500, may be used to track the different data. points selected to arriveat the current level of business reports. As a further example, datapoint filters 500, permit the user 105, to determine what data pointfilters 500, were used to arrive at the current business report. In theembodiment depicted, a business report or bar graph 525, is categorizedinto multiple groups 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, . . . , 512, based on thebusiness report data generated after applying the filter 500, that wasselected in the previous report Now instead of displaying all theexpedite exceptions, only rescheduling exceptions 502, 504, 506, 508,510, . . . , 512, are visible because of the active filter “ReschedulingIn,” 511. One can also have one or more other filters 515. Furthermore,for example, as shown in FIG. 5, one can also have a furtherdrill-down/drill through the search functionality of this invention 123,by using for example, a group name 535, that generated business reportor bar graph 525, where individual Or child business report 502, 504, .. . , 512, could be further expanded b for example, clicking on thecolumn or bar graph 502, and the Insight Navigation or invention 123,would open and a new filter would be created with the value representedby the column or graph 502, that was clicked by the user 105, andfurthermore the new filter would be within the selected group name 535.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention 123, depictingthe dynamic use of data point filters 600. Exemplary aspects provide asystem, method, and apparatus 123, to save a navigation tree and thenopen it as needed. Exemplary aspects of embodiments of the presentinvention 123, include a system that permits users 105, to link businessreports 110, as children to any business report 110. FIG. 6 illustrateshow filters will be applied when any report is selected within thenavigation map. Embodiments may include navigation features, charting,features. SMS features, and any other useful features known to thosepracticing in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, one could selectchild report 625, such as, for example, “Buyer Workload Summary” 625,and where filter fur the child report 318, and the filter 511, for theexception 511, would dynamically be applied to generate child report625. Similarly, one can have additional new filters 635, which can alsobe used to further through the search functionality of this invention123.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention 123,further illustrating a navigation feature for the dynamic use of datapoint filters 700, where a previously created navigation map is linkedto any business report 110, 225, . . . , 625, and then stored 175, aspart of the business report in a database 165. Once the navigation mapis linked to a business report 110, 225, . . . , 625, the user 105, willbe able to activate the linked navigation map whenever the businessreport 110, 225, . . . , 625, is displayed in the application. As shownin FIG. 7, the dynamic use of data point filters 700, have generated abusiness report 725, where the user 105, can click on the dial gaugevalue parameter 715, for example, for a specific business report 725,here, for example, the dial gauge value parameter 715, points to a datapoint 720, where the “Current Pull In Requests” 225, is shown, forexample, around about 94.71M, and it should have been around, forexample, 118.38M, or for example, the actual or projected number is118.38M. These numbers is exemplary in nature and any quantity could beset as the bar for taking exception to a set practice rule. If multiplevalues are selected as measurements for implementing an exception, thismay be depicted or accomplished by a different visual, including but notlimited to a bar chart or a table with multiple values visiblesimultaneously and options for the user 105, to make selections for oneor more values. One can also have one or more additional businessfilters 711, and one or more navigational tabs or buttons 721.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a navigation feature 800, thatenables the linking and sharing of any business report to other businessreports based on different parameters and data points, including but notlimited to user role, subject area, previously viewed business reports,most liked business reports, business reports in user network, etc., toname a few. There may be any number of business reports 110, 225, . . ., 725, that link to each other based on any number of data points. Thenavigation feature 800, may operate to query a user 105, to cause theuser 105, to further evaluate where relationships might or should becreated, it may also suggest relations, and prepopulate such. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 8, the navigation feature 800, has a navigatorsetup 810, and which further allows for adding new navigation features820. The screen 125, is showing the user 105, business features 830,840, 850, 860, . . . , 870, which the user 105, can use to furtherdrill-down/drill through using the search functionality of thisinvention 123.

FIG. 9 illustrates the automatic or dynamic linking of business reports900. The automatic or dynamic linking 900, provides for linking, withoutuser 105, intervention based on a specified parameter, including but notlimited to, similar data points, most used report history, most votedreport by users, most relevant search report, past user experience,etc., to name a few, as described in conjunction with FIG. 3 above. Thisprovides a system, method, and apparatus 123, that enables users 105, tosearch the previously created business navigation maps and load suchbusiness maps for viewing by displaying the relevant navigation businessmaps based on the search criteria; enabling users 105, to add businessnavigation maps to the dashboard similar to adding a business report byproviding a way to select a previously created business navigation mapand a mechanism to select one or more business navigation maps from thelist of navigation maps. In one embodiment, users 105, may suggestexisting business navigation maps to other users 105, based on thebusiness reports they are accessing and using by providing a way tosuggest a navigation map to another user 105, by similar functionsincluding, but not limited to, bookmarking, emailing or adding anavigation mark to the favorite list, it also enables a way to notifyusers 105, of new business navigation maps created by others by enablingsharing of navigation maps between users 105. This can be automatedwithout user 105, intervention or manually by a user 105, requestingsuch or being sent such. Here the automatic or dynamic linking ofbusiness reports 900, has automatically discovered, or generated a newlink 925, for the user 105, to explore or further drill-down/drillthrough using the search functionality of this invention 123.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000, for creating navigation maps to allowa user 105, to navigate through related or unrelated business reports110, 225, . . . , 725, Although depicted in a flow chart, the order ofthe steps in the present embodiment is exemplary and is not intended tobe a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. It iscontemplated that the present invention includes the process beingpracticed in other orders and or with intermediary steps and/orprocesses. In exemplary step 1005, data point markers may be identifiedand created. Data point markers may be any category, subcategory, class,subclass, grouping, or division of or scenario of data or data pointsthat can be thought of. In exemplary step 1010, reports may beassociated with the data point markers. Further, although not shown, newbusiness reports may be created and associated, as well as existingbusiness reports, or future business reports with data point markers. inexemplary step 1015, data point markers relevant to the business reportare tagged or identified using predefined criteria. In exemplary steps1020, and 1025, business reports with common data point markers may bestatically linked or dynamically linked. In one embodiment, staticlinkage may be accomplished by the user 105, manually linking variousbusiness reports that have common data point markers. In anotherembodiment, dynamic linkage may be accomplished by using software orlink management software. In exemplary step 1030, linkages betweenvarious business reports are graphically displayed. Further, althoughnot shown, it is also contemplated that the graphical display step 1030,may contain business reports that are dynamically and statically linkedwith other business reports.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100, for creating static. links forbusiness report configurations. The method 1100, may be performed by auser 105, may be automated or may be a combination of automation andmanual user input. The orders of the steps in the present embodiment areexemplary and are not intended to be a limitation on the embodiments ofthe present invention. It is contemplated that the present inventionincludes the process being practiced in other orders and/or withintermediary steps and/or processes. A user 105, creates a businessreport 1110. The user 105, builds a business navigation tree or businessnavigation map 1120. The user's 105, business navigation tree is linkedto previously created business reports from a repository 1121, such as,a data base 165, or a storage device 175, which is accessible via acomputer 150. The business navigation tree, and business reports arefinally saved and stored 1131, in a database 165, 1130. This database165, 1130, may be recalled and used as existing, or modified for otherbusiness purposes. It should be understood that the database 165, 1130,may be the same or may be different data bases.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200, for dynamic linking. The orders ofthe steps in the present embodiment are exemplary and are not intendedto be a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention 123. Itis contemplated that the present invention 123, includes the processbeing practiced in other orders and/or with intermediary steps and/orprocesses. A user 105, may view a business report 1210. Subsequently, anavigation tree or navigation map is loaded. The navigation tree ornavigation map may or may not have previously added business reports1220. For example, the business reports 1220, could load static links1220, such as, for example, load previously added business reportnavigation links 1221. In an exemplary step information from differentsources, including hut not limited to the business report repository,which may include any number of business reports 110, 225, . . . , 725,based on any number of data points that may be changing or updatingregularly or intermittently, are gathered to create navigation links1230. Additionally, for example, navigation links 1230, could be, forexample, dynamic links 1230, that dynamically gather information fromdifferent sources to generate navigation links 1231, for the navigationlinks 1230. Additionally, the business navigation links 1230, could beexpanded or explored to one or more business report repository 1245,having one or more drill-down/drill through tabs or fields 1240, 1250,1260, 1270, . . . , 1280, which could be used by the user 105, tofurther explore or further drill-down/drill through using the searchfunctionality of this invention 123.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300, for creating and saving a businessmap 1325. The orders of the steps are exemplary and are not intended tobe a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention. It iscontemplated that the present invention includes the process beingpracticed in other orders and/or with intermediary steps and/orprocesses. A user 105, creates or toads a previously created businessmap 1310. Alternatively a business navigation map 1310, can also becreated automatically based on other dynamic methods discussed above.Business reports and links may be added to the business map 1320, by theuser 105, or through an automated process, in addition the business map1320, could be created from the reports and links 1321. The business map1320, is then saved, and updated 1330, when appropriate, again either bya user 105, or through an automated process. The business maps 1310,1320, . . . , 1330, as well as business reports and links 1321, ma bestored in a database 165, 1340, a repository 165, 1340, or any otherinternal or external system 165, 1340, that is capable of maintainingdata 165, 1340. Optionally, the system 1300, or the user 105, couldautomatically or manually save the newly created business map 1325, to adata repository 165, 1340, with, for example, name, description, etc.,for easy searching, or loading. 1331, for subsequent accessibility tothe user 105. It should be understood that the database 165, 1340, maybe the same or may be different data bases.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for updating an existing business map 1400,such as a business map 1325, created in conjunction with FIG. 13 above,so as to have, an updated existing business map 1425. The method 1400.may be performed by a user 105, may be automated or may be a combinationof automation and manual user input. The orders of the steps in thepresent embodiment are exemplary and are not intended to be a limitationon the embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that thepresent invention includes the process being practiced in other ordersand/or with intermediary steps and/or processes. The business map 1425,is located either through a search or selected by title 1410. Thebusiness map 1425, is then updated 1420, by adding, links or businessreports or any other appropriate data 1421. The business map 1425, issaved, and updated 1430. The business map 1425, as well as businessreports and links may be stored in a database 165, 1440, a repository165, 1440, or any other internal or external system that is capable ofmaintaining data 165, 1440. Optionally, the system 1400, or the user105, could automatically or manually save the newly created/updatedbusiness map 1425, to a data repository 165, 1440, with, for example,name description, etc., for easy searching or loading 1431, forsubsequent accessibility to the user 105. It should be understood thatthe database 165, 1440, may be the same or may be different data bases.

The inventive system, method, and apparatus for creating, linking, anddiscovering business navigation maps for analyzing data 123, furthercomprises of creating business navigation map, comprising, at least onecomputer 150, in electrical connection 171, with at least one database165, 1130, 1340, 1440, and at least one storage device 175, 1130, 1340,1440. The at least one computer 150, is in communication with at leastone processor and at least one host module 165/175, and wherein the atleast one host module 165/175, being adapted to receive data pointmarkers about at least one data point of interest from at least one user105, the at least one host module 165/175, further includes a data inputlink for receiving information about the at least one data point ofinterest; a first logic processing module in communication with the atleast one computer 150, and programmed to associate at least one datapoint of interest with at least one business report 110, wherein thefirst logic processing module uses at least one predefined criteria totag the at least one data point of interest as relevant to the at leastone business report 110. At least one database module 165/175, incommunication with the at least one computer 150, and being, adapted tostore and obtain the at least one data point of interest, data pointmarker, and the at least one business report 110.

The inventive system, method, and apparatus for creating, linking, anddiscovering business navigation maps for analyzing data 123, furthercomprises a method for navigating through business reports 110,comprising, at least one computer 150, in electrical connection 151,with at least one database 165, 1130, 1340, 1440, and at least onestorage device 175, 1130, 1340, 1440, the at least one computer 150, isin communication with at least one processor and at least one hostmodule 165/175, and adapting the at least one host module 165/175, toreceive data point markers about at least one data point of interestfrom a user 105, using the at least one computer 150, and providing adata input link for receiving information about the at least one datapoint of interest; associating the at least one data point of interestwith at least one business report 110, by adapting at least one logicprocessing module using predefined criteria to tag the at least one datapoint of interest as relevant to the at least one business report 110.At least one database module 165/175, is in communication with the atleast one computer 150, and accessing the at least one database module165/175, to store and obtain the at least one data point of interest, atleast one data point marker, and the at least one business report 110.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a methodprovides a way for users to navigate information in the form of avisually displayed navigation tree. In one embodiment, the navigationtree is built dynamically when, for example, a user clicks on the graph,table, or any other form of organization of data. In another embodiment,the tree parent and children nodes may be determined based on what isclicked and what information is relevant for that report. Similar to amap, in one embodiment, a navigation tree will visually display thecurrent location of user navigation within the tree.

In another embodiment, the navigation tree is built statically by theuser, enabling the user to link the current report to any other reportthe user deems relevant. The static linkage may be based on any numberof data points within the present report and the reports being linked,and any other criteria deemed relevant by the user, such as, forexample, practice area, scope of relevance, organizational structure,etc.

In yet another embodiment the method provides for users to build newnavigation map-like reports. For example, instead of just providing asingle report in a dashboard, the system enables a way to display anavigation map to users that will make it very easy for them to analyzedata without having to figure out the correct sequence of reportnavigation to determine the root cause of an issue or a trend.

In another embodiment, the system presents a drill-down/drill throughsearch functionality in a form of for example, a tree with nodes andbranches. When a user clicks on a report, a tree is built dynamicallywith link nodes representing dynamically or statically link reports thatare relevant to the current report. It is asserted that the “tree withnodes and branches” is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.However, an form of graphical representation may be used, including butnot limited to 2-D or 3-D format, to accomplish the desired result.

Aspects of the present invention may be implemented in variousconfigurations. For example, in one embodiment the invention may beimplemented as a desktop personal computer, stand-alone computer,workstation computer, mobile computer, portable computing device,personal digital assistant (PDA) device, cellular telephone, digitalaudio or video playback device, or any other similar type of computingdevice. Examples of suitable network connections include a controllerarea network (CAN), a media oriented system transfer (MOST), a localinterconnection network (LIN), a local area network (LAN), and otherappropriate connections such as Ethernet or others that conform withknown ISO, SAE and IEEE standards and specifications, to name but a few.

Aspects of the present invention may be implemented on one or morecomputers executing software instructions. According to one embodimentof the present invention, server and client computer systems transmitand receive data over a computer network or a fiber or copper-basedtelecommunications network. The steps of accessing, downloading, andmanipulating the data, as well as other aspects of the present inventionare implemented by central processing units (CPU) in the server andclient computers executing sequences of instructions stored in a memory.The memory may be a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),a persistent store, such as a mass storage device, or any combination ofthese devices. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the CPUto perform steps according, to embodiments of the present invention. TheCPU may include one or more software modules, host modules, and logicprocessing modules.

The instructions may be loaded into the memory of the server or clientcomputers from a storage device or from one or more other computersystems over a network connection. For example, a client computer maytransmit a sequence of instructions to the server computer in responseto a message transmitted to the client over a network by the server. Asthe server receives the instructions over the network connection, itstores the instructions in memory. The server may store the instructionsfor later execution, or it may execute the instructions as they arriveover the network connection. In some cases, the CPU may directly supportthe downloaded instructions. In other cases, the instructions may not bedirectly executable by the CPU, and may instead be executed by aninterpreter that interprets the instructions. In other embodiments,hardwired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus thepresent invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and software, nor to any particular source for theinstructions executed by the server or client computers. In someinstances, the client and server functionality may be implemented on asingle computer platform.

Aspects of the present invention can be used in a distributed electroniccommerce application that includes a client/server network system thatlinks one or more server computers to one or more client computers, aswell as server computers to other server computers and client computersto other client computers. The client and server computers may beimplemented as desktop personal computers, workstation computers, mobilecomputers, portable computing devices, personal digital assistant (PDA)devices, cellular telephones, digital audio or video playback devices,or any other similar type of computing, device. The terms “computernetwork” and “online” may be used interchangeably and do not imply aparticular network embodiment or topography. In general, any type ofnetwork (e.g., LAN, WAN, or Internet) may be used to implement theonline or computer networked implementation of the system, method,device, and apparatus for creating, linking and discovering navigationmaps for analyzing data.

Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments describedherein and the constituent elements of the invention can be modified invarious manners without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted fromany appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elementsdisclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deletedin all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Theconstituent elements described in different embodiments may be combinedarbitrarily.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended, to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novelmethods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety ofother forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes mthe form of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the inventions.

Furthermore, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appendedclaims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variationsas falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for creating business navigation map,comprising: at least one computer in electrical connection with at leastone database and at least one storage device, said at least one computerin communication with at least one processor and at least one hostmodule, and wherein said at least one host module being adapted toreceive data point markers about at least one data point of interestfrom at least one user, said at least one host module further includinga data input link for receiving information about said at least one datapoint of interest; a first logic processing module in communication withsaid at least one computer and programmed to associate at least one datapoint of interest with at least one business report, wherein said firstlogic processing module uses at least one predefined criteria to tagsaid at least one data point of interest as relevant to said at leastone business report; and at least one database module, said at least onedatabase module in communication with said at least one computer andbeing adapted to store and obtain said at least one data point ofinterest, data point marker, and said at least one business report. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the data point marker is created by saidat least one user.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the data pointmarker is predefined.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least onebusiness report is a new business report.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one business report is an existing business report.6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one predefined criteriais relational.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least onepredefined criteria is at least one manual input by said at least oneuser.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one predefinedcriteria is determined by a link management software, and wherein saidlink management software is in communication with said at least onecomputer.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one firstlogic processing module further electronically links said at least onebusiness report with at least one another business report.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said business navigational map created is agraphical representation.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein saidlinking of said at least one business report with at least one anotherbusiness report is dynamic.
 12. A method for navigating through businessreports, comprising: at least one computer in electrical connection withat least one database and at least one storage device, said at least onecomputer in communication with at least one processor and at least onehost module, and adapting said at least one host module to receive datapoint markers about at least one data point of interest from a userusing said at least one computer; providing a data input link forreceiving information about the at least one data point of interest;associating said at least one data point of interest with at least onebusiness report, by adapting at least one logic processing module usingpredefined criteria to tag the at least one data point of interest asrelevant to the at least one business report; and at least one databasemodule, said at least one database module in communication with said atleast one computer and accessing said at least one database module tostore and obtain the at least. one data point of interest, at least onedata point marker, and the at least one business report.
 13. The methodof claim 12, comprising: creating at least one new data point marker;associating the at least one business report with the at least one newdata point marker; identifying the at least one business report withrelevant new data point markers: linking the at least one businessreports with the common new data point marker; and displaying,graphically the link between the at least one business reports with thecommon at least one new data point markers.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising: creating at least one new data point marker;associating the at least one business report with the at least one newdata point marker; identifying the at least one business report withrelevant new data point markers; linking statically the at least onebusiness reports with the common new data point marker; and displayinggraphically the link between the at least one business reports with thecommon at least one new data point markers.
 15. The method of claim 12,further comprising: creating at least one new data point marker;associating the at least one business report with the at least one newdata point marker; identifying the at least one business report withrelevant new data point markers; linking dynamically the at least onebusiness reports with the common new data point marker; and displayinggraphically the link, between the at least one business reports withcommon at least one new data point markers.
 16. The method of claim 12,further comprising: creating at least one new data point marker;associating at least one new business report with the at least one newdata point marker; associating the at least one business report with theat least one new data point marker; identifying the at least onebusiness report and the at least one new report with relevant new datapoint markers; linking the at least one report and. the at least one newbusiness report with the common new data point maker; and displayinggraphically the link between the at least one business report and the atleast one new business report with the common at least one new datapoint markers.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: creatingat least one new business report; building a new business navigationmap; linking a previously created at least one business report from arepository to the new business navigation map; and storing the newbusiness navigation map, the link between the previously created onebusiness report to the new business navigation map, and the at least onenew business report in at least one database.
 18. The method of claim12, further comprising: viewing the at least one business report;loading a business navigation map; and gathering information todynamically create a link to the business navigation map.
 19. The methodof claim 12, further comprising: loading a previously created businessnavigation map; linking the at least one business report to the businessnavigation map; and storing the business navigation map in at least onedatabase.
 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: updating abusiness navigation map by locating the business navigation map; addingat least one new business report to the business navigation map tocreate said updated business navigation map; and storing the updatedbusiness navigation map in at least one database.